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We’ve been hearing a lot about equality in the corporate world with many of today’s business leaders taking bold steps to incorporate authentic diversity and equality in the workplace. But what does that mean? And how can a CEO break down this concept into tangible, enforceable policies within their work environment?

We’ve seen the challenges, particularly in the technology industry where a shallow value system crippled a business (meet Uber), or others where women and minorities are often underrepresented. But with companies like Salesforce pioneering aggressive changes in work culture and creating living examples of equality at work, people are starting to take notice. And love what they see.

This was one of the reasons why Tony Prophet turned to Salesforce for his next career move. As Chief Equality Officer of Salesforce.com, Prophet recognizes that not only do you need to support these new concepts to be a good person, but when you have diversity and equality, performance improves.

I spoke with Prophet about the importance of transforming a workplace culture to embrace diversity, and he shared with me four ways to develop these important practices in your workplace.

Tony Prophet

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At Salesforce, it’s an inside-out thing, not an outside-in thing that makes it different.

At Salesforce, one of the four core values is equality. Not only is it important externally, but recognizing it as part of your company’s foundation impacts your decisions. It starts at the top.

Prophet admitted that had Salesforce founder Marc Benioff not been focused on equality and the 1:1:1 when he founded the company and set the tone, then he would not have joined.

Keep in mind; this belief has little to do with responding to business trends. Instead, it started as a commitment to positive and equal work culture and remains a powerful influence on how Salesforce moves forward in business.

Support nonprofits who support equality.

Community involvement helps build a company’s brand. So it’s important to select causes that align with your company’s values. Since 1999, Benioff has instituted his 1:1:1 pledge. This model dedicates 1 percent of Salesforce equity, 1 percent of Salesforce product, and 1 percent of Salesforce employees’ time back to communities around the world. The emphasis here is equal access. Empowerment doesn’t discern between minorities. Instead, it is a concept that can be equally shared and attained beyond the workplace. This year, Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce will focus on making the world an equal place. Dreamforce ‘18 is scheduled for September 25-28 in San Francisco.

Monitor your company with an equality audit.

According to a Forbes-based council, research shows there is a 21 percent pay gap between female and male workers and a third of businesses have no women in senior management roles. The result shows that the first step toward change could begin with simple math. How many women hold management positions? What is the pay scale of your workforce? Is it equitable based on job requirements and qualifications?

At Salesforce, Benioff added $6 million to the payroll to make sure there was equal pay between minorities and women. Audit your pay and be thoughtful about the equality there. “This is not a trend we follow,” said Prophet. “This has been in Salesforce’s DNA from the beginning.” Be transparent about the company’s desire to embrace equality by keeping a scorecard of your numbers. Measure your employee base people of color and gender with numbers.

Develop in-house support groups that promote diversity.

Today’s most progressive companies should reflect the diversity of our current society.

In response to the growing diversity within the company, Prophet has added more groups that complement these efforts. For instance, Salesforce has instituted a series of supportive groups that highlight and promote some of the shared backgrounds and characteristics among employees. The Faithforce group unites those of all faiths. Abilityforce empowers those with visible or invisible disabilities. Boldforce stands for Black Organization for Leadership and Development. Asiapacforce unites those of the Asia Pacific community, and the list goes on.

By providing a vehicle that connects employees, you will ignite a sense of purpose within this work culture that transcends beyond the office and inspires change within the community. Prophet noted that volunteerism in the different groups has grown by 200%. He also encourages executives to support and join groups and be an executive sponsor.

Creating an equitable and tolerant workplace is not a complicated concept. But it does require a clear vision and a commitment to enforce and uphold a work environment that is respectful, informed, and supported. Benioff saw this potential for Salesforce, and 30,000 employees later, his commitment to equality and diversity remains strong today.